Learning Outcomes:
On completion of this module students should be able to:
- Describe major environmental issues and requirements for the development of sustainable agriculture.
- Identify the impacts that modern farming systems can have on the environment.
- Understand the aims and measures of the various policies and schemes to control or limit such impacts.
- Understand the basic principles necessary for the appropriate management and protection of the agri-environment and the quality of its air, soil and water resources, including the basic principles of: good farming practice, nutrient management and planning, habitat management.
Indicative Module Content:
The module provides a basic understanding of legislative controls and agri-environmental incentive schemes operated at national (Irish) and EU levels. This includes the operation and implementation of major EU environmental directives, environmental aspects of Cross Compliance (Single Payment Scheme), agri-environmental incentive schemes (GLAS), as well as results-based, locally-led and related high-nature value schemes including the Results-based Environmental Agri-Pilot (REAP) scheme.